athlete, coach, cool dude

trans

It’s official! I am a part of the 2016 Body Issue! I shot my part before my trip to Spain – I’ll detail the whole experience once the issue is released. I am equal parts excited and overwhelmed with excitement (they are little different), but I am so pumped to be a part of this, for a few reasons:

For 29 years, I did not want to have my photo taken. What I saw reflected back (and documented forever) did not align with the way I felt inside, or how I saw myself. I am so proud to be at a point where I am comfortable in my own skin.

I think it’s important for people to see that trans athletes exist, and be an example for others. I am not saying yall need to take your clothes off! I’m just saying, visibility is a powerful tool to fight against oppression and discrimination.

The first thing I said to the reporter who profiled me in October was, “I want to be in the Body Issue.” They passed it on and the rest is history. SO COOL.

I wanted to share my abs with you. 🙂

Look at this list! From the first two paragraphs of the ESPN article announcing the names:

Ten men and nine women will appear in the magazine, which announced the athlete list for the eighth annual Body Issue on Tuesday. The featured participants include Team USA duathlete Chris Mosier, who will be the first transgender athlete to pose.

Check this link for a sneak preview video, and look for the release on July 6 online and July 8 in print.

I’m quoted in this article about the recent incident at Planet Fitness regarding transgender inclusion in sports.

“Planet Fitness, known for a “Judgment Free Zone” policy designed to make all gym-goers feel welcome, is standing by its code after a Michigan customer recently objected to a transgender woman in the female locker rooms, saying she thought the person was a man. The gym revoked the customer’s membership after receiving her formal complaint, and asked her to stop talking about the incident to other gym members, according tonews reports. In a statement, Planet Fitness said that, according to their policy, their customers can use the locker rooms (and all other gym facilities) based on the gender they identify with.”